How to remove videos from the Internet?

A common issue on the Internet, especially on social media, is finding videos where you appear without your consent. The person who uploaded them may not realize that videos are considered personal data. Their distribution without permission is often sufficient reason to request their removal.

Under the Organic Law on Data Protection (LOPD), individuals have the right to request the deletion of videos if they consider them inappropriate or excessive. The first recommended step is to contact the uploader and ask them directly to remove the video.

Understanding video deletion on the internet

All videos online are hosted on various platforms, such as YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and Twitch. Additionally, SaaS (Software as a Service) sites like Wistia, Vidyard, and Loom store videos for different uses.

A key challenge is that videos can be shared, embedded on other websites, and indexed by search engines. This often means that to fully remove a video, multiple sources need to be addressed. As you can see, the digital footprint on the Internet is sometimes difficult to remove permanently.

Steps to remove videos from the internet

Since every online video has an origin, its removal depends on where it is hosted:

1. Hosted on a platform: Request removal directly from the website or application. Most platforms provide reporting tools for complaints.
2. Embedded on a webpage but hosted elsewhere: Ask the website owner to remove it and submit a request to the hosting platform.
3. Indexed in search engines: If the video appears in search results, request its removal from search indexes like Google.

In complex cases, especially during an online reputation crisis, removing a video may require contacting multiple parties. This process is time-sensitive and can be challenging without professional assistance.

Removing Videos from Social Media

Videos on social media fall into two categories:

• Videos uploaded directly to the platform (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) can be reported for policy violations such as copyright infringement or unauthorized use of personal data.
• Shared videos from external platforms require reporting the post on social media while also requesting removal from the original source.

Each platform has specific guidelines for reporting and requesting content removal. For example, YouTube provides mechanisms to report inappropriate content, while Facebook and Twitter allow users to report posts containing unwanted videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the rights to a video on the Internet?

The uploader generally holds the rights to a video, but image rights laws allow individuals to request removal if they appear in it without consent. Brands can also request removal for trademark violations.

Can I delete any video from the Internet?

You cannot remove a video unless it violates your honor, privacy, or legal rights. Personal requests typically must meet legal criteria for platforms to approve removal.

What happens if a platform refuses to remove a personal video?

If a request is denied, legal action can be taken against the uploader or the hosting platform. Major platforms like YouTube usually comply with takedown requests when personal rights are violated or when the “right to be forgotten” is invoked.

Can I claim damages for videos posted without consent?

Yes, if a video violates your honor and privacy, you may claim damages. Cases of revenge porn and unauthorized personal content sharing often lead to legal penalties for the responsible party.

Are personal and brand-related videos treated the same way?

No. Videos featuring individuals are protected by privacy laws, while brand-related videos usually involve commercial or reputational issues. However, brands can still request removal in cases of trademark infringement or defamation.

Can I request the removal of videos featuring my children or someone else?

You may request the removal of videos featuring minors if you have legal guardianship. Legal authorization is required to request removal on behalf of another person. Content removal companies specialize in handling such cases.

Conclusion

Removing videos from the Internet can be a complex process, requiring tracking down the source and requesting removal from multiple platforms. Since this can be time-consuming and difficult, professional content removal services can help navigate the process efficiently.

Companies like RepScan specialize in removing unwanted videos and other harmful online content. With expertise in online reputation management, they handle takedown requests quickly and efficiently, ensuring your personal and professional image remains protected. Instead of dealing with multiple platforms and complicated legal requirements on your own, RepScan can do the work for you, saving you time and stress.

If you need assistance removing a video from the Internet, fill out our contact form, and our team will get back to you to answer your questions and help resolve the issue.